Depression

Question 1

What is depression?

Answer 1

A disorder that causes persistent feelings of low mood, low energy and reduced enjoyment of activities

Question 2

What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the pathophysiology of depression?

Answer 2

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)

Question 3

True or False: The cause of depression is solely due to a chemical imbalance.

Answer 3

False

It is likely a combination of genetic, psychological, biological, and environmental factors.

Question 4

What are the core symptoms of depression?

Answer 4

• Low mood
• Anhedonia (lack of pleasure or interest in activities)

Question 5

List some emotional symptoms of depression.

Answer 5

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Low self-esteem
• Guilt
• Hopelessness about the future

Question 6

What cognitive symptoms are associated with depression?

Answer 6

• Poor concentration
• Slow thoughts
• Poor memory

Question 7

What physical symptoms can indicate depression?

Answer 7

• Low energy
• Abnormal sleep
• Poor appetite or overeating
• Slow movements

Question 8

Fill in the blank: Potential triggers for depression may include _______.

Answer 8

[stress, grief, relationship breakdown]

Question 9

What is the PHQ-9 questionnaire used for?

Answer 9

To assess the severity of depression

Question 10

What score range on the PHQ-9 indicates moderate depression?

Answer 10

10-14

Question 11

What are some management options for depression?

Answer 11

• Active monitoring and self-help
• Address lifestyle factors
• Therapy (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy)
• Antidepressants (SSRIs are first-line)

Question 12

True or False: NICE recommends offering antidepressants as first-line treatment for all patients with depression.

Answer 12

False

They recommend not offering antidepressants first-line for patients with less severe depression.

Question 13

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) used for?

Answer 13

To treat severe, medication-resistant, and psychotic depression

Question 14

What are common side effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy?

Answer 14

• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Short-term memory loss

Question 15

Define psychotic depression.

Answer 15

Depression accompanied by symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations

Question 16

What is the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale used for?

Answer 16

To screen for postnatal depression

Question 17

What are the symptoms of baby blues?

Answer 17

• Mood swings
• Low mood
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Tearfulness

Question 18

What is the peak time for postnatal depression to occur after childbirth?

Answer 18

Around three months after birth

Question 19

What is puerperal psychosis?

Answer 19

A severe illness starting a few weeks after birth, characterized by psychotic symptoms

Question 20

Fill in the blank: A score of ______ or more on the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale suggests postnatal depression.

Answer 20

10

Question 21

What type of support does the mother and baby unit provide?

Answer 21

Specialist treatment for mothers and their babies to remain together and bond